Weekly Notices | 31 August 2025

Reflections return in September…

Our Ministry Team are now taking a summer break, our weekly reflections series will return in September, alongside the return of our Choirs.

Dates for your diary…

#PompeyTots – Wednesday, 3 September at 2:00pm
Choral Evensong sung by the Cathedral Choir resumes – Thursday 4 September at 5.45pm
Choral Evensong with Installation of the Archdeacon of Portsdown – Sunday, 7 September at 5:45pm
#PompeyTots – Wednesday, 10 September at 2:00pm
Back to School Yoga (8-12 year olds) – Wednesday, 10 September at 4:00pm
Lunchtime Live - Gavin Stevens – Thursday, 11 September at 1:10pm
Choral Evensong with visiting choir - In Ecclesia – Saturday, 13 September at 5:45pm
Luther Vandross - The Candlelight Concert – Saturday, 13 September at 7:30pm
Eucharist with Installation of member of Chapter - Sunday 14 September at 11:00am.
Choral Evensong with Installation of Boy Head Choristers, Choral Scholars and Lay Clerks – Sunday, 14 September at 5:45pm

Community News

Credo: Why I Believe - sermons by our Cathedral Honorary Canons

We are pleased to have the Honorary Canons of Portsmouth Cathedral preaching again this year on Sunday evenings at the 5:45pm service. This year’s theme is "Credo: Why I believe..." as this is the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea which met after Easter in the year 325 and agreed what was to become known as the Nicene Creed.

The Venerable Andrew Hillier KHC (Archdeacon for the Royal Navy and Chaplain of The Fleet) will preach as an Honorary Canon here for a final time at this Sunday's 5:45pm service.

The next sermon in the series will be given by Canon Karina Green on the evening of Sunday 5 October.

Exploring the Bible: The Psalms

Part of our series of courses exploring the Bible, come and delve into the Psalms and learn about their history, how they are used in worship and prayer, and why they are significant to Christians today.

Tuesday evenings in the Bishop Kenneth Room at 6.30pm-8:00pm, taking place on:

16 September
23 September
30 September
7 October

Please email Canon Harriet at harriet.neale-stevens@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk if you would like to attend.

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

On Sunday lunchtime the Dean will be at Gunwharf Quays, offering a blessing and 'Godspeed' to the more than seven hundred crew members setting off on the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Ten 70ft racing yachts with crews from all around the world will be competing over eight legs through the world's most extreme ocean conditions. He will invite them to notice the weathervane of the 'Cathedral of the Sea' as they set off on what will be the race of their lives, and remind them that whatever they go through, God will be their compass, their lighthouse, and their safe haven in the storm.

The Word is Near

The Word is Near will return next Wednesday 3 September from 10:30-11:30am in Bishop Kenneth Room. Join us for coffee and discussion on the forthcoming Sunday Bible readings. All welcome.

Installation of the Archdeacon of Portsdown

Canon Bob White will be collated and installed as Archdeacon at 5:45pm on Sunday 7 September during Choral Evensong. All are welcome at the service and the reception that follows. Read more here.

Master Planning consultation

We are at the beginning of an exciting journey as we undertake a Master Planning process for Portsmouth Cathedral and its Green.

At this stage, nothing has been decided or set in stone. The displays you may have seen inside the Cathedral, including artist impressions, are there to help us imagine possibilities for the future. They are not final plans, but conversation starters to spark ideas and dialogue.

Some of the themes we are exploring include:

Storytelling – how we share the history and meaning of this place with all who come.

The Cathedral Green – ways it could become more welcoming and better used.

Flexible Spaces – creating areas that can serve both worship and wider community use.

Sustainability – ensuring we care for the environment and secure financial resilience for the future.

Accessibility – making sure everyone feels welcome and able to participate fully.

We would love to hear your thoughts, feelings, and ideas about these areas. Your input will help shape the vision for the Cathedral’s future.

👉 Inside the Cathedral, you will find a link to our interactive online survey. Please do take the time to complete it and share your perspective.

Together, we can imagine and shape a vibrant, sustainable, and welcoming future for our Cathedral and its Green.

Worship & Visiting

Every day, Portsmouth Cathedral is open for worship, prayer, and visiting. Unless otherwise specified, services do not require booking. Our website contains orders of service, as well as information about visiting the Cathedral.

Services this weekend

This Saturday’s Choral Evensong at 5:45pm will be sung by the Choir of St Mary the Virgin, Ewell.

8:00am – Holy Communion
9:30am – #PompeySundays
11:00am – Sung Eucharist sung by the Choir of St Mary the Virgin, Ewell
5:45pm – Choral Evensong sung by the Choir of St Mary the Virgin, Ewell

Prayers & Intercessions

We pray for: our new Choral Scholars and Organ Scholar starting this week.

We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Paul, Wynne, Saphie, Trudie, Samuel, Pauline, Davina, Susan, Karen, Abbie, June, Carole, Nicky, Ken, baby Lily and baby Lottie.

We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Marion, Stuart, Suzy, Jill, Alison, Graeme, Richard, Alistair, Chris, Mathai, Philip and Spencer.

We remember those who have died recently, including: Kathleen Turner, Maureen Smith and William Blake RIP.